A penalty and a red card set up Orange County’s two goals.

Republic FC came out strong pressuring Orange County’s defense and in just the 8th minute scored on a header by defender Mickey Daly. Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez sent a free kick into the box where Daly expertly headed the ball into the left side of the net.

Orange County fought back with attacks of their own including a 13th minute shot that looked destined for the upper left corner of the goal but was saved on a diving stop by Republic FC goalkeeper Jake Gleeson.

In the 18th minute Republic FC defender Nemanja Vuković fouled Orange County’s Stephen Okai in the box which set up a penalty kick for Orange County captain, Allan Russell. Russell evened the score when he sent his penalty shot into the lower left corner of the net and Gleeson diving right.

The score held 1-1 at halftime. Orange County again came out attacking in the second half. The Blues constantly attacked Republic FC but the defense held strong. Republic FC saw two of its best chances for second half goals come in the 58th and 64th minutes. In the 58th minute second half substitute forward Dakota Collins received a beautiful through ball and out ran the defense but his shot went wide right. In the 64th minute Lopez was on the attack as he put a shot off the cross bar then receive the rebound only to just miss the right side of the goal.

In the 69th minute Republic FC defender Harrison Delbridge was given a red card after bringing down forward Gibson Bardsley just outside of the box. The ensuing free kick was taken by Stephen Okai who’s beautifully placed shot went over the outstretched hand of Gleeson and into the upper left corner of the goal for Orange County’s second score.

Republic FC then went on the attack taking multiple shots but not being able to convert. The best look for a goal came in the 83rd minute when Collins got by Orange County goalkeeper Patrick McLain. Collins looked to center the ball as he was wide left but his pass went just past the outstretched foot of a streaking Lopez.

“Tough loss for us tonight” says midfielder Rodrigo Lopez. “We did not come out and play our game, all the credit goes to OC Blues who came out and fought hard.”

Goalkeeper Dominik Jakubek saw his first playing time for Republic FC following Jake Gleeson’s collision with Allan Russell in the 73rd minute. Jakubek held strong not allowing any additional goals despite Republic FC being down a player.

Republic FC will not have long to think about this loss as they take on the Los Angeles Galaxy II Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the StubHub Center Track and Field Stadium. The match will be available on YouTube and at SacRepublicFC.com. Updates will also be available via Twitter @SacRepublicFC and using #LAvSRFC.